May 5, 2016.
For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.
Making headlines:

South African Post Office workers embark on two day strike.

Parliament bust-up lands EFF MPs with 5-day suspension.

And, ANC appeals for calm in Limpopo after protesters torch schools, police stations.

Thousands of workers at the cash-strapped South African Post Office (or SAPO) will embark on a two day strike on Thursday and Friday over unresolved labour matters and demands for salary increments.

The members of Cosatu affiliate, the Communication Workers Union, are demanding a 15% salary increase and the conversion of temporary workers to permanent staff.

The union said no agreements were signed with the employer in 2013 and 2014, while disputes dating back to 2015 remain unresolved.

SAPO CEO Mark Barnes said contingency plans were in place to minimise service disruptions.

The National Assembly on Wednesday suspended the Economic Freedom Fighters (or EFF) from Parliament for five working days.

National Assembly speaker Baleka Mbete said in terms of Rule 53A (A), the EFF was automatically suspended for the period applicable, as provided for under Rule 54, which states that the suspension of a member would be for five parliamentary working days on the first occasion during a session.

The suspension follows an incident that led to the EFF MPs being forcibly removed from the National Assembly during the President’s Presidency Budget Vote speech.

The party had tried to bring a motion saying President Zuma has no place in the Parliament.

 

The African National Congress (or ANC) in Limpopo has appealed for calm in protest-hit Vuwani where 13 schools, satellite police stations, traditional leadership offices and municipal trucks have been set alight over the past few days.

ANC provincial secretary Nocks Seabi said whilst they explored ways and means of strengthening their engagement, they appealed for calm and normality to return to Vuwani.

Vuwani residents took their battle to the streets after they lost a High Court bid to have their area remain under the Makhado municipality, last Friday.

Also making headlines:

Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor launched three new research chairs as part of an initiative to retain talent.

Congo opposition leader Moise Katumbi to run for President in November.

And, new political party, BACS, to announce mayoral candidate for Nelson Mandela Bay

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That’s a roundup of news making headlines today